The second tome of homilies of such matters as were promised, and entitled in…The second tome of homilees of such matters as were promised, and intituled in…

Now will I this second time that I entreat of aims deeds, show unto you how profitable it is for us to exercise them, and what fruit thereby shall arise unto us, if we do them faithfully. Our saviour Christ in the Gospel teacheth us, that it profiteth a man nothing to have in possession ¹all the riches of the whole world, and the wealth or glory thereof, if in the mean season he lose his soul, or do that thing whereby it should become captive unto death, sin, & hell fire. By the which saying, he not only instructeth us how much the soul health is to be preferred before worldly commodities: but also serveth to stir up our minds, and to prick us forwards to seek diligently and learn by what means we may preserve and keep our souls ever in safety, that is, how we may recover our health, if it be lost or impaired, and how it may be defended and ⟨p. 325⟩maintained, if we once have it. Yea, he teacheth us also thereby to esteem that as a precious medicine and an inestimable jewel, that hath such strength and virtue in it, that can either procure or preserve so incomparable a treasure. For if we greatly regard that medicine or salve that is able to heal sundry and grievous diseases of the body: much more will we esteem that which hath like power over the soul. And because we might be better assured, both to know and have in readiness that so profitable a remedy: he as a most faithful and loving teacher, showeth him self both what it is, and where we may find it, and how we may use and apply it. For when ²both he and his disciples were grievously accused of the Pharisees, to have defiled their souls in breaking the constitutions of the elders, because they went to meat and washed not their hands before, according to the custom of the Jews: Christ answering their superstitious complaint, teacheth them an especial remedy how to keep clean their souls, notwithstanding the breach of such superstitious orders. Give alms (saith he) and behold all things are clean unto you. He teacheth them, that to be merciful and charitable in helping the poor, is the means to keep the soul pure and clean in the sight of God. We are taught therefore by this, that merciful alms dealing, is profitable to purge the soul from the infection and filthy spots of sin.

Nowe wyll I this second tyme that I entreate of aimes deedes, shewe vnto you how profitable it is for vs to exercise them, and what fruite therby shall aryse vnto vs, if we do them faythfully. Our sauiour Christe in the Gospell teacheth vs, that it profiteth a man nothyng to haue in possession